Wellness has become a business in its own right. There are gym memberships, fitness classes, smartwatches, workout programmes, supplements and fancy water bottles. Retreats are promising to help people become healthier, calmer and more in tune with themselves. For anyone trying to keep up, taking care of yourself can sometimes feel like another bill to pay. But then there is walking.

Walking is probably one of the simplest ways to get some movement into your day, and it costs nothing to do. You do not need a gym membership or a trainer. There is no equipment to set up and no class to book. If you have a comfortable pair of shoes, you can walk.

People have always walked, of course. What has changed is how much attention it is getting. A walk that used to be just a walk now has a place in the wellness world. People are taking morning walks before work, going for evening strolls, joining walking groups and challenging themselves to hit a certain number of steps.

Part of the attraction is probably the fact that it is easy to fit into everyday life.

Not everyone can afford a gym membership, especially when there are other bills competing for attention. In addition to this is the transport to and from the gym, workout clothes and the question of when exactly you are supposed to find the time.

Walking can be worked around what you are already doing.

If a shop is close enough, you can walk there. If you are commuting and the distance allows it, you can get down at a convenient stop and walk part of the way. You can take a walk during lunch or spend a few minutes outside after work before heading home.

It does not have to be a serious workout either.

Some days, you may walk quickly because you want to get your heart rate up. Other days, you may just want to stroll and clear your head. You can walk alone, meet a friend or put on your earphones and listen to music. There is no complicated routine to follow.

For people who spend most of their day sitting, even that little bit of movement can make a difference.

Walking can also be a way to spend time with people without spending money. Two friends can catch up while walking around the neighbourhood instead of meeting at a café. Couples can take an evening walk and talk about their day. Parents can take their children out for a walk when they need a break from staying indoors.

And sometimes, you do not need company at all.

One beautiful thing is walking with nowhere particular to be. You notice things you would normally miss when you are in a car or rushing to catch a bus. You get some fresh air, think about whatever is on your mind and, for a while, step away from the noise of your phone.

This is especially relevant now that wellness feels like a long list of things to buy. There is always a new product, programme or trend promising to make you healthier. But not every healthy habit needs to become another monthly expense.

Walking is also not a replacement for every kind of exercise. Some people may need strength training or other forms of physical activity depending on their needs. 

In Lagos, walking is not always as simple as it sounds. Traffic, bad roads, flooding, long distances, and safety concerns can make walking difficult or impossible in some places.

So, no, the answer is not to tell everyone to walk everywhere.

But where it is safe and practical, walking can be an easy way to move more without spending more. It can be part of your commute, your lunch break, your evening or simply a few minutes stolen from a busy day.